As tennis observers around the world gather together at Flushing Meadows in a few weeks for our approaching National Tennis Championships, an older observer of the scene keeps returning to a collection of chapters and essays in an outstanding and historical narrative about the sport, written by an extraordinary reporter of champions. READ

In 2014, with no prior connection to the North Fork, I bought a house in Southold on a wing and a prayer, fingers crossed for a good local community — to go with the irresistible natural appeal of the beaches, farms and vineyards. I had a good vibe. I also knew good vibrations don’t always play out like a Beach Boys song. READ

As I watch my community stagger and reel from the blow we have been dealt, I have thought almost constantly, “What can be done?” The sinking feeling, the nagging thought that creeps in is: “Nothing.” READ

It was a sad day last week when Pete Stevens walked out the door of The Book Scout for the last time. It was another link cut from the chain connecting us to the past, back to a time when rents were reasonable and used book stores, like The Book Scout, could survive, if not prosper. READ

Since the first settlers came to this area, Long Island has been defined by its agriculture. The farmer’s way of life — deep concern for the land and a close sense of community — is an undeniable part of the heritage and ethos of the East End. READ

About five years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. For two years I received all the standard advised treatments at Stony Brook University Hospital, but I have an aggressive form that became metastatic three years ago. My status was upgraded to Stage 4 — considered incurable by the medical community. READ

During a short visit to Winter Park, Colo., I was impressed by how this small town prepares for their seasonal visitors. Winter Park has a permanent population of 999 people (2010 Census). It can host up to 20,000 visitors during the peak of their ski season. Big topics among town officials include the impact on parking, traffic congestion, DUI, increased carbon emissions, etc. …

The first day in 1973 that my then-husband, Alex, and I arrived on the farm we’d bought in Cutchogue, on Long Island’s North Fork, to plant the region’s first vineyard, our neighbor Jeanie Zuhoski welcomed us on our long farm road bearing a home-baked pie. READ